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Angiogenesis
A new type of laser catheter, used in
a procedure called PMR (Percutaneous Myocardial Revascularization)
which is not yet approved for use in the U.S., may be able
to help patients who are not candidates for surgery or angioplasty because
of ill health or degree of disease. The laser is guided into the left ventricle
and used to make small channels directly in the wall of the heart which may
promote the growth of small new blood vessels, a process called "angiogenesis". (For
more information on angiogenesis, see our "HOT
TOPIC" on the subject.) |
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PMR catheter
courtesy Eclipse Surgical
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leg
arteries, before and after gene therapy, courtesy Jeffrey Isner, MD
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Another method
of promoting angiogenesis is through gene therapy, one of the
newest and most promising
areas of research in the field of heart disease. Ultimately,
this will be a catheter-based technology, delivering genetic
material directly to the arterial wall, so that, in the words
of the popular media, you can "grow
your own bypass". There are clinical trials currently under way and the results
have been very encouraging. See a (video
interview with Dr. Jeffrey Isner of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston about
the results of his study.) |
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Next
Section: "Intravascular Ultrasound"